AD 2003-21-09 Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters

Models named: AS355E, F, F1, F2, N. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, with a main gear box (MGB) lubrication pump (pump), part number (P/N) 355A32-0700-01, with a serial number (S/N) 5731 or higher or with a S/N below 5731 if the pump has been overhauled or repaired after June 1, 1995, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the MGB pump, seizure of the MGB, loss of drive to an engine and main rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Before the first flight of each day and at intervals not to exceed 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), check the MGB magnetic chip detector plug (chip detector) for any sludge. Also, check for dark oil in the MGB oil-sight glass. An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may perform this visual check and must enter compliance into the aircraft maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v). “Sludge” is a deposit on the chip detector that is typically dark in color and in the form of a film or paste, as compared to metal chips or particles normally found on a chip detector. Sludge may have both metallic or nonmetallic properties, may consist of copper (pinion bearing), magnesium (pump case), and steel (pinion) from the oil pump, and a nonmetallic substance from the chemical breakdown of the oil as it interacts with the metal. Note 1: Eurocopter France Alert Telex No. 05.00.40R1, dated November 27, 2002, and Alert Service Bulletin No. 05.00.40, dated November 16, 2004, pertain to the subject of this AD. (b) Before further flight, if any sludge is found on the chip detector, inspect the pump. (c) Before further flight, if the oil appears dark in color when it is observed through the MGB oil-sight glass, take an oil sample. If the oil taken in the sample is dark or dark purple, before further flight, inspect the pump. (d) While inspecting the pump, if you find any of the following, replace the MGB and the pump with an airworthy MGB and pump before further flight: (1) Crank pin play, (2) Out of round bronze bushing (A of Figure 1), (3) Offset of the driven gear pinion, (4) Metal chips, or (5) Wear (C of Figure 1). See the following Figure 1: ER01JN06.017 Note 2: If wear is present in the B area only as depicted in Figure 1, replacing the MGB and the pump is not required. (e) Before installing a different MGB or a pump with any TIS, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. (f) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, ATTN: Ed Cuevas, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5355, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (g) This amendment becomes effective on July 6, 2006. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Direction Generale De L'Aviation Civile (France) AD F-2002-331-071 R2, dated November 24, 2004. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 24, 2006. David A. Downey, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 06-5009 Filed 5-31-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P